Electrolytic cell



U. C. TAINTON. mcmotvnc CELL.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 5. I918.

1,334,41 9, I Patented Mar. 23, 1920.

ZSHEET HEET l.

i Lu A TTOH/VEVS U. C. TAINTON.

ELECTROLYTIC CELL.

APPLICATION FILED NOV-5191'8.

1,334,41 9.; Patented Mar. 28, 1920.

2 smzns sunr 2.

A TTOR/VEYS UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

U'RLYN ctrrrofmmron, or

DOORNFONTEIN, JOHANNESBURG, TRANSVAAL, SOUTH AFRICA.

ELECTROLYTIC CELL.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, URLYN TAINTON, a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing at Doornfontein, Johannesburg, Transvaal, United South Africa, have invented new and useful Improvements in Electrolytic Cells, of which the following is a specification.

This inventionrelates to an electrolytic cell, and one of the objects of the invention is the treatment of relatively large quantities of solution in a very rapid and thorough manner. The cell is especially applicable to the precipitation of gold and silver from cyanid solutions, and may also be employed for selective precipitation of metals, and

for other purposes, for instance, the separation of cadmium and copper from zinc solutions by the application of a preferential voltage, or for the oxidation of manganate to permanganate, and the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cell comprising a casing in which is mounted a plurality of fixedelectrodes, and a plurality of intermediate revolving electrodes, between which the solution to be treated is passed, and furthermore to pro-.

vide a porous inclosure for each fixed electrode to permit the formation of a solution chamber about each electrode, and also to prevent the circulating solution to be treated from mixing with the solution about the fixed electrodes and from contacting with the fixed electrodes. This feature is of conside-rable importance, for instance, in the precipitation of gold from a cyanid solution the rotating electrodes are 'made cathodes and the fixed electrodes anodes. The separation of the anodes with relation -to the cathodes produces several important advantages, firstly, by preventing the contact of the current electrolyte with the anode the usual anodic destruction of cyanid is avoided, thus the whole of the cyanid regenerated by the deposition of metal at the cathode is rendered available; secondly,

the inclosing of the anode permits the con-' centration of negative ions in 1 the anode chamber under the influence of the potential radient. The solution in the anode cham ers thus quickly becomes acid in 'which a lead anode is far more, permanent than in alkaline solution.

. Another object of the invention is to provide an electrolytic cell in which the cas Specification 6: Letters Patent. Patented Mar. 23, 1920- Application filed November 5, 1918. Serial No. 261,172.

claimed, having reference to the accompanying drawings 1n which Figure 1 1s a view in side elevation of the electrolytic cell partly in section.

Fig. 2 is a cross section on line 2-2 of Fig. 3 is a cross section on 'line 3,-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig; 4.- is an end view ofFig. 1.

Referring to the drawings in detail, A indicates in general a cylindrical shaped casing, which, in this instance, is built up of a plurality of annular sections such as shown at 2 and 3. Positioned at each end of the casing is a head member such as shown at 4, and formed on the outer periphery of the head members are a plurality of perforated projecting lugs 5, through which are passed draw bolts 6 by which the heads and the intermediate annular sections 2 and 3 are secured together. The sections 2 and 3 may be constructed of any suitableinsulating materlal such as wood, cement, vulcanite,

or the like, while the head sections 4 to which the pressure is applied maybe constructed of cast iron, insulating plates 7 being, however, interposed between each head and the annular segments as shown. Snitably secured within each annular section 2 is an electrode 8. These electrodes are preferably circular in shape, and are spaced sewed or otherwise secured together in the g I .by means of the bolts 6.

a .bearshown, is a shaft 15,upon which is secured a plurality of electrodes 16. These electrodes are. interposed between the fixed elec,'

trodes 8. They are circularin shape and may or may not be perforated as conditions may require. Each electrode 16' is secured to the shaft by flange collars as shown at 17, and will, therefore, rotate with the shaft when power is transmitted thereto by a pulley 18' or by any other suitable means.

The solution to be treated is admitted through a pipe 18, and will thus pass lengthwise through the ,casing between the several electrodes before it can escape through the discharge pipe shown at 19. The casing as a whole comprising the sections 2 and 3 and the heads 4: are supported by a channel iron frame consisting of two end sections 20 and 21 .and a pair of interspaced supportin channel rails 22 and 23, lugs 24 being forme both on the heads and on the sections 2 and 3 to permit the casing to be readily supported. Any other suitable support may, however, be provided, but the, present supporting frame shown is probably preferable, as

* it permits the heads and the intermediate sections 2 and 3 to be separated and moved forated lugs 5 upon the supporting rails 22 and .23 when assembled or separated, thus rendering it comparatively easy to handle each section and to obtain a perfect alinement of the perwhen they are moved into position.

The electric current employed, for instance, if a cyanid solution containing gold and silver. is to be treated is passed through 1 thecell in such a manner that the fixed electrodes become anodes and the revolving electrodes cathodes, the connections with the circuit being established by passing one side of the circuitthrough the shaft by means of a brush and av contact ring, while the other side of .the circuit is connectediwith the bindin posts 10 of th'e fixed electrodes as shown. n actual operation the solution to be treatedenters through the pipe 18, and then passes endwise through the casing from one end to the other, and on its way is, therefore, subjected to the electrolytic action of the rotating electrodes. The solution does -.not'come in contact with the fixed electrodes, and it therefore undergoes only one kind of treatment, either cathodic or. anodic, as the case maybe. If the cell is used, for instance, in the oxidation ofma-nganate to permanganate, the rotating disks are made anodes, and the cathodes are inclosed in the canvas diaphragm whereby the reducing action of the'cathode is avoided. In the precipitation of gold or silver from cyanid solution, the rotating disks are made cathodes and the anodes are lnclosed. This gives a double advantage first, by preventing the contact of the current solution with the anode the usual anodic destruction of cyanid is avoided. The whole of the cyanid regenerated by the deposition of metal at the cathode is thus rendered available. Secondly, the inclosing of the anode permits the formation of a solution chamber about each anode, thus establishing concentration of negative ions in the anode chambers under the influence of the potential gradient. The solution in the anode chambers thus quickly becomes acid in which a lead anode is far more permanent than in an alkaline solution.

In order to ermit the escape of gas generated inthe inclosed compartment of the cell, openings are provided at the top of each annular section. Valves 40 preferably of the float type are here inserted, thus permitting the escape of gas, but not of solution. Again, ordinary valves may be employed,

i and, in this case, are opened just enough to permit the escape of as. During the operation of the electro ytic cell it can readily be seen that metal, for instance, gold or silver, carried in the solution to be treated is deposited on the rotating electrodes. It may here be allowed to ow into solid form, or by using a suitably igh current density may be deposited in a loose non adherent form which is detached by the friction of the solution,- the precipitated metalithus passes out in suspension, and may be readily separated by filtration or settlement.

An. electrolytic cell constructed as here shown has proven of great value for several reasons: First, because with a comparatively small apparatus it is possible to quickly handle a great quantity of solution, this being due to the fact that the flow of the solution is an additive quantity to the ionic migration in which the time-required to effect 1 a clean separation of the metallic constituents of the electrolyte from the containing solution is greatly facilitated by bringing the ions into intimate contact with the revolving electrodes. The energy necessary for preci itation of the metal and the capacity o the cell are, in consequence, reduced to a considerable degree; second, the whole of the cyanid regenerated by the deposition of, metal at the cathode is rendered available; third, destruction of c anid is practically avoided, as the circulatmg solution does not contact with the anodes, thus preventing anodic destruction of the cyanid;

fourth, acidity of the solution in the immerials and finish of the several parts employed diate vicinity of the anodes is quickl t b; lished, a is permanently maintained, thus rendering the lead anodes far more perma-j {Dent than When subjected to an alkalinefso- 'lutloni l fifth, construction of the casmg'is such at all arts can readily be insulated one with relatlon to the other, and all. parts .may furthermore be readily assembled or taken apart as the 0 erator'may desire.

While a specific orm of structure is here shown, I wish it understood that the matemay be such as the experience and judgment of the manufacturer may dictate.

y I also wish it understood that various changes in form, proportion and minor details of construction may be resorted to within the scope of the appended claims,- and that I do not wish to limit myself to the specific a set of fixed electrodes within the hous1ng,'

design and construction here shown.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by 'Letters Pat-.

2. Inan electrolytic cell, a housing for the reception and passage of an electrol te,

a set of movable electrodes within the housing, and means for substantially maintainset of electrodes the housing.

ing the electrolyte out of contact with one during its passage through 3,. In an and a porous housinglinclosing one set of 'fixed electrodes and a "plurality of rotary electrodes.

4. In an electrolytic cell, a plu'rality of fixed electrodes, and a plurality of movable electrodes, and a'porous housing inclosing each fixed electrode.

5.'In an electrolytic cell, a plurality of electrodes,- and a fabric covering inclosing each fixed electrode and space therefrom. 6. In an electrolyticcell, a housing for the reception and circulation of an electrolyte, a set -offixed electrodes within'the housing, a'set of rotary electrodes, and means for substantially preventing the electrolyte from contacting with the fixed electrodes .means -for passing toend through t e casin and means for I e'lectrolyticfcell, a plurality of"substantially preventing t e electrolyte du-rfixed and a plurality of movable electrodes,

cured interior of each alternate rin circular electrodes having a rotary movement in a plane transverse to the flow of the electrolyte, a plurality of fixed electrodes interposed between the rotating electrodes,; and means for substantially preventing" thev electrolyte during its passage between the electrodesfrom contacting with the fixed electrodes.

9. In an electrolytic cell, a plurality of circular electrodes having a rotary movement in a plane transverse to the flow, of the electrolyte, a plurality of fixed electrodes interposed between the rotating elec-.

trodes, and a porous-housing inclosing each fixed electrode and spaced therefrom to form a solution chamber about each fixed electrode, and to substantially .prevent the circulating electrolyte from mixing, with said solution and from contacting with the fixed electrodes.

- 10. An electrolytic cell comprising a casing consisting of a plurality of rlng sections secured together, a fixed electrode se-' cured interior of each alternate rin Sec.. tion, said fixed electrodes each havmg a central opening formed therein, a head member at each end of the casing, a shaft extending through the casing and journaled in the head members, means insulating the shaft from the head members and the casshaft intermediate the fixed electrodes, means for imparting a rotarymovement to theshaftand the electrodes carried thereby, an electrolyte from end ing its passage through the casing and between t eelectrodes from contacting with the fixed electrodes.

central opening formed therein, a head member at each end of the casing, a shaft extending through the casing and journaled ing, a plurality of electrodes secured on the in the head members, means insulating the shaft from the'head member and the casin a plurality of electrodes secured on the sha intermediate the fixed electrodes, means for imparting 'a rotary movement to the shaft an theelectrodes carried thereby, means for passin an electrolyte from end to end through t e casing, and a fabric-covering inclosing each fixed electrode and spaced therefrom to form a chamber about each fixed electrode for the reception of anelectrolyte'and to substantially prevent the circulating" electrolyte from mixingwith the electrolyte about the .fixed electrodes, and, i

from contacting with the fixed electrodes.

12. In an electrolytic cell, .a housing for r the reception and circulation of-an electrolyte, a set of fixed electrodes within the housing, a set of'rotary electrodes entirel submerged in the electrolyte passing throu the housing, and means =for'substantial y preventing the electrolyte from contacting with the fixed electrodes during its passage through the housin 13. In an electrolytic cell, a plurality of movable electrodes, a plurality of fixed electrodes interposed between the movable-electrodes, means for maintaining a body of electrolyte about. one set of electrodes, and means for passin a second body of electrolyte through t e cell and substantially out of contact with the first named body ofelectrolyte.

'14. An electrolytic cell comprising ahous- I ing, means for circulating an electrolyte therethrough, a plurality of movable electrodes within the housing, a plurality of 20 ing each fixed electrode and spaced there- 7 from to form a solution chamber about each i fixed electrode,land'to substantially prevent 26 the circulating electrolyte from mixing with said solution and from contacting with the fixed' electrodes.

"In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing 80 I wltnesses.

URLYN CLIFTON Witnesses:

A. S. RoYsTER, LEWIS THOMAS LEYSON.

TAINTON. 

